Councillors hold bizarre pothole birthday party to mark two years since raising complaint over ‘dreadful’ road

Councillors held a bizarre pothole birthday party to mark two years since they first raised complaints about a ‘dreadful’ road in Milnrow.

Councillors Andy Kelly, Irene Davidson and Dave Bamford, say they brought up the issue of the ‘eroded surface’ on Ladyhouse Lane at a meeting in 2019 – but are still waiting for something to be done about it.

Their frustration with the situation led them to hold the unusual ‘celebration’ earlier this week.

 

 

The unconventional move appears to have done the trick, however, as the road is now set to be fixed over the summer.

The council said the road had not been assessed as a priority – but underspends in other areas mean they will be able to fix it in mid-August.

It comes after Milnrow and Newhey councillor Andy Kelly described the surface of Ladyhouse Lane as being ‘among the worst anywhere in the borough’.

He said: “This is one of the most used roads in the village too as it is effectively the relief road to the M62. The surface is in a dreadful state for the full length and is riddled with potholes. 

“We have had promise after promise made by the council that it’s ‘on the list’, or ‘due in the new financial year’, or ‘April or May’. In hindsight I should have asked which year.”

 

 

But cabinet member for highways and housing, Councillor Danny Meredith has hit back at claims made by the three Lib Dem members.

He said: “We’ve invested over £18m in our highways network over the last four years and repaired more than 1,000 roads. This funding is spread across all townships, based on population, with 20 per cent being allocated to Pennines.

“Officers use condition data to draw up a list of roads which will be targeted for repairs and these are approved by all councillors through the township meetings before any work takes place.

“Ladyhouse Lane was not part of the current approved two-year programme, but as a result of underspend on other schemes, officers have now managed to include it and work will start in the middle of August to coincide with the school holidays.”

Councillor Meredith also defended the council’s record in Milnrow and Newhey against claims there was ‘a real feeling’ the ward was being discriminated against.

“As part of the recent highway investments, significant road maintenance has taken place in other parts of Milnrow and Newhey on Cedar Lane, Crofthead Drive, Whitworth Street, Huddersfield Road and Sir Isaac Newton Way,” he said.

“As the portfolio holder, I’m disappointed that this issue wasn’t raised with me directly. I’ve since spoken to Lib Dem councillors in this ward to address their concerns and my door is always open for any member of the public or councillor who would like to contact me directly with any roads issues.”

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter